If the Boston Red Sox make the postseason, which isn't a guarantee as they're on a 5-10 decline in September, they'll need another starting pitcher to rise to the challenge.

Garrett Crochet, Brayan Bello and Lucas Giolito are the backbone of the rotation and would set up the rotation for the American League Wild Card series. Should the Red Sox advance from that round, they'd need another starting pitcher in a four-man rotation by then.

Walker Bueher's tenure in Boston didn't work out. Injuries to Kutter Crawford, Tanner Houck, Richard Fitts and Hunter Dobbins depleted built-up depth for the Red Sox in arms capable of making starts. Payton Tolle made his debut but now finds himself in the bullpen with an electric fastball.

That laid the path for rookie Connelly Early, who spent the major

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